A few thousand fans flocked to the Lasch Football Building Tuesday at 6 a.m. to cheer on and show their support for the Penn State football team during a ‘Rise and Rally’ event.
Sue Paterno, the wife of the late Penn State football coach, was in attendance, as well as new Penn State Board of Trustees’ members Adam Taliaferro, a former Penn State football player, and Anthony Lubrano. They greeted fans and posed for photos with them.
Chants of ‘We Are … Penn State’ beamed loud and clear and strong all morning, accompanied by members of the Penn State Blue Band and even the token cowbell.
‘After experiencing this today, I don’t know who would want to leave this place,’ fifth-year quarterback Matt McGloin said in a short speech to fans after the rally, when asked about players, including star tailback Silas Redd, who were thinking of possibly transferring in wake of the harsh NCAA sanctions handed down eight days ago.
Fans eventually moved to the practice field outside the Lasch building to watch players lift weights and run sprints, among other conditioning exercises.
Afterwards, players posed for photos with fans. Some were students out before class, others were alumni who traveled hundreds of miles to show their support.
Members of the team tweeted through the morning, expressing their gratitude toward the ‘Rise and Rally’ turnout.
(Tweets have not been amended for spelling, grammar)
Redshirt junior defensive back Mike Wallace
‘Been here 4 years now, What I just saw at #RiseAndRally was one of the craziest things I have ever seen and will never forget #ThankYou.’
Redshirt sophomore right end Dakota Royer
‘That was awesome coming in with all those fans out there! Gave me the chills! Can’t wait until Sept. 1, we have the best fans in the world!’
Redshirt junior tight end Garry Gilliam
‘Just looked out my window and saw A LOT of fans walking to our building … Felt like seeing snow on Christmas morning!’
Class of 2013 tight end recruit Adam Breneman
‘I get chills looking at the Rise and Rally pictures. Can’t wait to play for the best fans in the country! #WeAre #RestoreTheRoar.’
Former Penn State wide receiver Graham Zug
‘Behind this #PSU team 100%. It’s going to be a great season.’
